Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Ryder Cup coverage threatened by BBC pensions strike

Normally, very few people would discuss the Ryder Cup in relation to pensions. However, millions of viewers may miss out on an opportunity to watch the drama unfold at the 2010 Ryder Cup because of BBC staff taking industrial action that will affect the channel's ability to broadcast golf's most high-profile event.

With the BBC suggesting that it needs to reduce its £1.5 billion deficit, and members of the National Union of Journalists and Bectu unhappy with the way they are choosing to go about doing so, one of the losers in the battle is likely to be fans of golf. The BBC was planning to show TV highlights and offer live radio commentary, but this is now in doubt.

Sky holds the UK rights to screen this year's event at Celtic Manor live and will be using it to promote their new 3D offering. In light of this, the real winners of this dispute are likely to be the satellite broadcaster, with fans who are keen to see the action but are unable to get a ticket to view the action unfold at Celtic Manor sure to consider the upgrade.

With the Ryder Cup odds suggesting the European side are likely to triumph, and with the 2012 event scheduled to take place back in the States, European audiences are aware that this year represents their best opportunity to watch their team take back the trophy from the US in real time.

Despite the BBC getting themselves into a bit of a pickle, Sky have also managed to pull off a bit of a blunder. Although Ryder Cup betting experts will no doubt keep their eyes glued to the action, fans of football and golf will have to choose between the Ryder Cup and the Premier League tie between Championship contenders Chelsea and Arsenal, which is scheduled to be broadcast on Sky during what could be the climatic moments of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

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